Guide Bio: Gary Whitmire
We would like to welcome Gary Whitmire to the guide team here at The Fly Shop®. Gary has been guiding for us for a couple of years now, mostly on his days off from his real job. Now, he is working more with us and we couldn’t be happier.
Gary grew up on the central coast of California where he played sports, hunted and fished. After marrying his high school sweetheart, they moved to the Redding area and was introduced to the sport by his grandfather who gave him his first fly rod. He quickly fell in love with fly fishing, bought his drift boat and has never looked back.
Gary spends a lot of time with his wife and daughters on vacation – with drift boat in tow – in many western states including Montana and Utah. Whether he is taking his friends, family or clients out fishing, Gary makes the day fun and enjoyable. When he is not guiding or fly fishing, Gary can be found supporting his daughters at the track or soccer pitch.
Q&A with Gary Whitmire:
How did you get started in fly fishing?
A year or so after moving to Redding, my grandpa gave me a fly rod. I was always interested in the sport and fell in love with it. I had a buddy from work that showed me some basics, took me to the McCloud and the Trinity and I haven’t looked back since.
How did you get started as a fishing guide?
I bought my first Drift boat 7 years ago and have been taking friends out since. 3 years ago, while on vacation in Utah, I posted some pictures and a friend of mine reached out to me and asked if ever thought about guiding. After talking with my wife I decided to go for it. Best Job ever!!
If you had one piece of advice to give to your guide clients, what would it be?
Have fun and enjoy the day.
Favorite Fish to pursue?
Absolutely steelhead!
What fly fishing destination is on your Bucket List?
I have 2, Belize for Permit and Tarpon and Kamchatka for big Wild rainbows.
Favorite Fly Rod and Why?
Anything Scott. To me Scott Fly Rods are the best on the market.
Favorite Reel and Why?
My Ross Evolution. Light with a smooth drag.
Favorite Fly and Why?
My favorite Nymph is the thread Frenchie. It works everywhere. Favorite dry is Mercers Missing Link.
What is your greatest fly fishing extravagance?
My Scott Fly Rod collection.
Which living or non-living fly fisher would you want to spend a day Fly Fishing with?
Mike Mercer and Kelly Galloup. Both are great fly tyers and accomplished fly fishermen.
Who are your favorite writers?
Don’t have one.
What single issue in fly fishing do you feel has the greatest adverse potential?
Over posting on social media.
What is your most memorable fly fishing trip you’ve taken?
Last year to the Green river in Utah. It dropped 6-8 inches of snow the night we got there. The beauty on the red rock canyon with the snow was spectacular.
Which talent or natural gift would you most like to have?
To play the guitar. I have no rhythm.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My Dad
What is your Fly Fishing Pet Peeve? (A pet peeve is a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly irritating to them.)
Not clipping the tags after tying on a fly.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
A bear
Booking Gary for a day of guided fishing
To book Gary or one of our other excellent guides, please give us a call at 800-669-3474 during business hours any day of the week, or email us at bryan@theflyshop.com or chris@theflyshop.com anytime. We can give you the answers you need, detailed explanations to questions you might have, or check on availability and confirm your reservation in minutes.